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Dispute brewing over city park site for Schenectady's Statue of Liberty

Paul Nelson| on
March 7, 2018

Statue of Liberty Replica in Liberty Park at the corner of Washington Avenue and State Street in Schenectady Wednesday June 6, 2012. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)

Statue of Liberty Replica in Liberty Park at the corner of Washington Avenue and State Street in Schenectady Wednesday June 6, 2012. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)

Photo: John Carl D'Annibale

Photo: John Carl D'Annibale

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Statue of Liberty Replica in Liberty Park at the corner of Washington Avenue and State Street in Schenectady Wednesday June 6, 2012. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)

Statue of Liberty Replica in Liberty Park at the corner of Washington Avenue and State Street in Schenectady Wednesday June 6, 2012. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)

Photo: John Carl D'Annibale

Dispute brewing over city park site for Schenectady's Statue of Liberty

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SCHENECTADY — Schenectady's Statue of Liberty appears destined for its new home in Steinmetz Park as part of a planned memorial for military veterans who lived in the Goose Hill neighborhood.

And while Mayor Gary McCarthy said it's not set in stone, the idea isn't sitting well with Stockade resident David Giacalone, who has mounted a Bring Lady Liberty Home campaign to return the statue to Lower State Street and Washington Avenue.

For now, the 8-foot 4-inch sculpture sits in storage at the city garage on Foster Avenue where it's been for the past two years.

It ended up there while Liberty Park was being renovated.

The new Gateway Park, as it now known, is open.

"The design is not really conducive for the statue, so we're looking to move it to Steinmetz Park, which seems to be the direction its going," the mayor said this week. "I don't know if it's a done dea, but it's 99 percent there."

Giacalone points to the 2012 Gateway Plaza Implementation Plan with photos showing the 58-year-old statue at the park.

He said the mayor "unilaterally decided not to honor the plan that was adopted as a city document by the City Council and was fully supported by the public in the public comments and design work shop for an asinine reason.

"We waited four years thinking it was going to come back like they told us," he said andnoted that in August General Services Commissioner Paul LaFond in a text assured him that Lady Liberty would return to Gateway Park.

LaFond did not return a call Wednesday.

Camille Sasinowski, president of the Goose Hill Neighborhood Association, was overjoyed Wednesday at news that the statue is likely headed for the park on Lenox Road.

"I am so happy to hear that," said Sasinowksi.

The 67-year-old Sasinowski recalled how a discussion with a friend about how many of their peers and acquaintances had died while serving in the Korean and Vietnam wars sparked the idea for a veterans memorial in Goose Hill.

She subsequently read a newspaper article about the Statue of Liberty, prompting a call to McCarthy.

The mayor said he would consider the idea, added Sasinowski.

Sasinowki said that the statute would be situated facing the pond with her back to Lenox Road, visible from any direction for all to see.

The memorial will feature a seating area, the American flag and a tablet bearing the names of what as of now are about 140 veterans with roots in Goose Hill, who were honorably discharged, said Sasinowski.

She estimates the memorial will cost about $25,000.

Fundraising is underway and Sasinowksi said organizers are hoping to have a dedication ceremony on Veterans Day in November.

Sasinowksi said having Lady Liberty at the park would be a great history lesson from youngsters from nearby Yates Elementary School who visit the park with their classes.

McCarthy expressed doubt that he and Giacalone could find common ground on this matter.